A County Durham golfer has raised over £5,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, inspired by his father's battle with the disease.

Shaun Maguire, 53, from Bishop Auckland, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2023.

He credits his father for saving his life after encouraging him to have a check up.

Mr Maguire said: "I decided to organise a charity golf day to raise awareness and money for Prostate Cancer UK because I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March of 2023 and had my prostate removed in May of last year.

(Image: Prostate Cancer UK)

"I had a PSA blood test as my father had prostate cancer and he asked me to get tested.

"Sadly, he died last August but he basically saved my life."

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Mr Maguire, together with David Waugh, put together 23 teams that participated in the event at Bishop Auckland Golf Club on June 28.

With the funds raised, they hoped to promote the awareness of prostate cancer, a disease affecting one in eight men.

"David and I are delighted that we organised the event to help support Prostate Cancer UK and raise much-needed awareness of the disease," Mr Maguire said.

In Yorkshire and the North East, each year sees 6,376 men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

It is an alarming fact that more than 1 in 4 of these men are diagnosed too late for a cure.

Seren Evans, head of events and community fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK said: "Shaun and David continue to help us drive home that message further and fund vital research that will help us save and enrich the lives of men with prostate cancer.

"We can’t thank them enough."